Sports Then and Now

Instead of facing the Washington Redskins, Donovan McNabb will instead be wearing their uniform in 2010.

It has been known for weeks that Donovan McNabb had played his last game as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, but it is quite a surprise that he will remain in the NFC East for 2010. A trade between the Eagles and Washington Redskins was finalized on Sunday that will give the Eagles the 37th pick in the second round and a third or fourth round choice in the 2011 draft.

That the Eagles would be willing to trade McNabb to a division rival seems to illustrate that the Eagles truly believe they are stronger under the guidance of fourth-year pro Kevin Kolb as in the six-time Pro Bowler McNabb.

With three high caliber quarterbacks on the roster-McNabb, Kolb and Michael Vick-the Eagles had a backlog that needed to be purged.

Originally the Eagles were shopping all three quarterbacks to see which might bring the best offer, but it quickly became clear that McNabb would be the one to go. With only one year remaining on his contract, the Eagles risked losing him for no compensation if they did keep him for one more season.

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The hottest rumor had been that McNabb was headed to Oakland, but he made it very clear that he was not interested in playing for the Raiders and would not sign a long term deal with the team.

The Kevin Kolb era has officially begin in Philadelphia.

Despite having an incumbent starting quarterback in Jason Campbell, the Redskins appear to be a great fit for McNabb because the veteran can join new head coach Mike Shanahan and will immediately provide veteran leadership to a squad that is in transition.

The Redskins have used free agency to acquire a number of high priced veterans in recent years, but those additions have not helped the Redskins develop into a consistent winner.

Over the last five years they have made two playoff appearances, but also have had two seasons with double digit losses.

Entering his fifth season, Campbell has been the primary starter for the last three seasons. While his statistics (61.2%, 10,860 passing yards) have been acceptable, the team has posted just a 20-32 record in games in which he has been the starter.

To the contrary, McNabb has been one of the winningest quarterbacks in football since taking over as the starter in Philadelphia in 2000. Only the Colts and Patriots have won more games over the last decade than the Eagles.

McNabb led the Eagles to the NFC Championship Game five times and to one Super Bowl appearance. However, the Eagles lost to New England 24-21 in Super Bowl XXXIX and McNabb remains saddled with the reputation of being unable to win the big one.

In Washington, McNabb will have a chance to face his old team twice each season and have a chance to prove to the Eagles that they made the wrong decision.

The Eagles believe that Kevin Kolb can be the long-term solution at quarterback. The only quarterback in league history to register 300-yard games in his first two NFL starter, Kolb will have a chance to prove himself in 2010 with a team that has a number of potent weapons.

It is always disappointing to see players who have been associated with a franchise as long as McNabb end up completing their career in a different uniform. However, in the modern NFL it is unfortunately an inevitable part of the game.